System and method for charging electronic devices in a controlled environment

ABSTRACT

A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed for providing electrical charge to residents of a controlled-environment facility. In an embodiment, a charging station may be provided in an area accessible to an inmate to allow charging of in an inmate smart device, such as a phone or tablet. In an embodiment, a portable charger may be provided to an inmate for charging a smart device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/378,526 filed on Dec. 14, 2016, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates to a system, apparatus, and method for chargingelectronic devices in a controlled environment.

In some current correctional facilities, inmates are allowed access toelectronic devices or smart devices, such as smart phones and/ortablets. To recharge the smart devices, facility staff must eithercollect the electronic devices or inmates must relinquish the device ata designated location. As a result, inmates lose the ability to use thesmart device while the device is being charged. Further, after charging,the specific smart device must be returned to the proper owner, creatinga logistical hardship for the facility.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES

Embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical orfunctionally similar elements. Additionally, the left most digit(s) of areference number identifies the drawing in which the reference numberfirst appears.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a charging system in a controlledenvironment, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a charging station, according toan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a portable charger, according toan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart diagram of a method of providingelectrical charge in a controlled environment, according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of a general purpose computer thatmay be used to perform various aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following Detailed Description refers to accompanying drawings toillustrate exemplary embodiments consistent with the disclosure.References in the Detailed Description to “one exemplary embodiment,”“an exemplary embodiment,” “an example exemplary embodiment,” etc.,indicate that the exemplary embodiment described may include aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every exemplaryembodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature,structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarilyreferring to the same exemplary embodiment. Further, when a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with anexemplary embodiment, it is within the knowledge of those skilled in therelevant art(s) to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic inconnection with other exemplary embodiments whether or not explicitlydescribed.

Embodiments may be implemented in hardware (e.g., circuits), firmware,computer instructions, or any combination thereof. Embodiments may beimplemented as instructions stored on a machine-readable medium, whichmay be read and executed by one or more processors. A machine-readablemedium may include any mechanism for storing or transmitting informationin a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computing device). For example,a machine-readable medium may include read only memory (ROM); randomaccess memory (RAM); magnetic disk storage media; optical storage media;flash memory devices, or other hardware devices Further, firmware,routines, computer instructions may be described herein as performingcertain actions. However, it should be appreciated that suchdescriptions are merely for convenience and that such actions in factresults from computing devices, processors, controllers, or otherdevices executing the firmware, routines, instructions, etc. Further,any of the implementation variations may be carried out by a generalpurpose computer, as described below.

For purposes of this discussion, the term “module” shall be understoodto include at least one of hardware (such as one or more circuit,microchip, processor, or device, or any combination thereof), firmware,computer instructions, and any combination thereof. In addition, it willbe understood that each module may include one, or more than one,component within an actual device, and each component that forms a partof the described module may function either cooperatively orindependently of any other component forming a part of the module.Conversely, multiple modules described herein may represent a singlecomponent within an actual device. Further, components within a modulemay be in a single device or distributed among multiple devices in awired or wireless manner.

The following Detailed Description of the exemplary embodiments will sofully reveal the general nature of the disclosure that others can, byapplying knowledge of those skilled in relevant art(s), readily modifyand/or adapt for various applications such exemplary embodiments,without undue experimentation, without departing from the spirit andscope of the disclosure. Therefore, such adaptations and modificationsare intended to be within the meaning and plurality of equivalents ofthe exemplary embodiments based upon the teaching and guidance presentedherein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminologyherein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, suchthat the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is tobe interpreted by those skilled in relevant art(s) in light of theteachings herein.

With the introduction of smart devices in correctional facilities,inmates have been able to use smart devices such as smart phones andtablets to enhance the rehabilitative process. For example, inmates mayuse smart devices for music, games, or phone calling. One concernregarding the distribution of smart devices to inmates, however, is thebattery life of the device. As an inmate uses the device, the batterycharge is spent, requiring facility staff to collect the smart devicesfor recharging. Alternatively, inmates may be required to deposit thesmart device at a specified location for recharging. Either one of theseprocesses forces the inmate to relinquish control of the smart device,preventing the inmate from using the device. Further, the return of thesmart device to the inmate creates a logistical problem if the facilitystaff must return a specific device to the proper inmate.

As such, provided in this disclosure is a system, apparatus, and methodfor charging electronic devices in a controlled environment. In anembodiment, the system, apparatus, and method prevent temporary loss ofsmart devices by allowing the device to remain in possession of theinmate while charging. This disclosure first provides a charging systemfor use in a correctional facility. This charging system allows afacility to utilize existing facility wiring for delivering power to aninmate. In an embodiment, the charging system utilizes existingtelephone connections to provide power if traditional wall power outletsdo not exist. In another embodiment, a charging station utilizes anenergy collector, which includes a photovoltaic cell, to obtain powerindependent of a wall interface. This system provides a hub for inmatesto charge their smart devices so that inmates do not need to surrendertheir smart devices to staff members for charging. This system is alsosecured to prevent inmate tampering.

This disclosure also provides a charging station apparatus for use in acorrectional facility. The charging station may be a part of afacility-wide charging system or may stand alone. The charging stationconverts power received from a wall power outlet or a communicationoutlet, such as a telephone outlet into a configuration that can chargean inmate smart device or a portable charger. The charging station alsoreceives power from components other than wall outlets. For example, thecharging station can utilize a solar panel to receive light energy. Thisfeature allows the charging station to provide charge in a correctionalfacility that may not provide a direct source of power to inmate areas.Using solar panels near a window or light bulb allows energy collectionthat may not be otherwise available in correctional facility. Thecharging station also stores energy received from a wall interface orfrom a solar panel interface. For example, if neither the wall interfacenor solar panel can directly charge a smart device or portable chargerdue to too low of a level of power production, an energy repository canstore the energy until a sufficient amount of energy is stored to chargea smart device. This feature allows for a passive accumulation of chargeeither through the retention of light energy or the trickle chargethrough a telephone wall outlet. In a correctional facility, thisaccumulation of energy provides an electrical charge to an inmate thatmight not otherwise be available if no traditional means of powerdelivery to an inmate area exist. The charging station is also equippedwith safety features to prevent inmate tampering.

This disclosure also provides a portable charger apparatus for use in acorrectional facility. The portable charger is configured to receivecharge from a charging station or a wall outlet, including power and/ortelephone. The portable charger also utilizes a solar panel design toreceive light energy, allowing for passive charging in a correctionalfacility where traditional power delivery outlets are not available.Using a portable charger also allows facility staff to collect portablechargers rather than collecting inmate smart devices for charging.Because portable chargers do not store information personal to aninmate, facility staff can exchange depleted portable chargers with anyother portable charger that contains stored energy. This exchange ofportable chargers eliminates the requirement for inmates to relinquishtheir smart devices as well as the logistical problem of returning theproper device to its proper owner.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become apparent from the following detailed descriptionof embodiments, which is to be read in connection with the accompanyingdrawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a charging system 100 in acontrolled environment. Charging system 100 includes a charging station120, a wall fixture 130, a power cable 160, and a power source 170.Charging station 120 interfaces with smart device 140 and/or portablecharger 150 and provides electrical charge to smart device 140 and/orportable charger 150. Charging station 120 also interfaces with wallfixture 130 and receives electrical power from wall fixture 130. Wallfixture 130 connects to power cable 160, which connects to power source170. Charging station 120 and wall fixture 130 are located in inmatearea 110 while power source 170 is located in electrical distributionarea 180.

In an embodiment, charging system 100 includes a charging station 120.Charging station 120 is a device that utilizes features of a controlledfacility to provide charge to inmate smart devices, allowing inmates toretain their smart devices while charging and eliminating the need forstaff to remove the smart device from the inmate's possession. Chargingstation 120 also allows inmates to charge a portable charger 150. Thedescription of FIG. 2 provides an embodiment of charging station 120.

In an embodiment, charging station 120 is located in inmate area 110.Inmate area 110 is a location accessible by inmates of a correctionalfacility. Inmate area 110 may be a room, cell, hallway, office,recreational facility, library, an enclosed location within acorrectional facility, an outdoor location of a correctional facility, acombination thereof and/or the like. Placing charging station 120 ininmate area 110 allows an inmate to charge his or her smart device 140and/or a portable charger 150 in a controlled facility without needingto relinquish the device to a facility staff member.

Charging station 120 may be portable or may be a stationary fixture.Charging station 120 includes a wall interface to allow an electricalconnection with wall fixture 130. Charging station 120 receiveselectrical power from wall fixture 130. Charging station 120 alsoincludes a smart device interface to allow an electrical connection withsmart device 140. Smart device 140 may be, for example, a phone, tablet,laptop, personal computer device, a combination thereof, and/or thelike.

Charging station 120 also includes a portable charger interface to allowan electrical connection with portable charger 150. Portable charger 150is a device capable of storing electrical energy and discharging theelectrical energy into smart device 140. An embodiment of portablecharger 150 is described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3.Portable charger 150 may also be a rechargeable battery pack.

As described in more detail with reference to FIG. 2, charging station120 includes an energy collector configured to convert power receivedfrom wall fixture 130 into storable energy. In an embodiment, thestorable energy from the energy collector may be stored within chargingstation 120 in an accumulator, which includes an energy repository.Charging station 120 then discharges the stored energy into smart device140 or a portable charger 150 when one is connected.

In an embodiment, the energy collector also includes a solar paneland/or a photovoltaic cell for gathering energy. These components allowfor a passive accumulation of electrical energy. In a correctionalfacility where wall power outlets may not be available to inmates, thepassive accumulation of electrical energy via a solar panel provides amedium for charging inmate smart devices. Charging station 120 alsoallows for passive accumulation of electrical energy via a wallinterface that connects to wall fixture 130.

Wall fixture 130 is a fixture of inmate area 110. In an embodiment, wallfixture 130 is a wall outlet, which provides power via alternatingcurrent (AC). For example, wall fixture 130 may be a standard U.S. poweroutlet providing AC power at 120 Volts and a frequency of 60 Hz. Wallfixture 130 may also provide power at other standard voltages andfrequencies.

In an embodiment, wall fixture 130 is a standard telephone outlet. Forexample, in an inmate cell where a wall power outlet is not available,facility wiring for POTS phones may be available for power delivery. Afacility can utilize the telephone outlet to deliver low voltage AC orDC power to wall fixture 130 and inmate area 110. This embodiment allowsa facility to provide electrical power to an inmate area that may nottraditionally have a wall power outlet. Similarly, wall fixture 130 maybe an existing connection used for the installation of a camera, closedcircuit television interface, Ethernet interface, television cableinterface, a combination thereof, and/or the like. In an embodiment,wall fixture 130 may include a wireless transmitter configured totransmit power wirelessly.

In an embodiment, wall fixture 130 is connected to power source 170 viapower cable 160. If wall fixture 130 is a wall outlet, power cable 160is existing wiring within the facility for delivering power to a walloutlet. If wall fixture 130 is a communication interface such as atelephone outlet, power cable 160 is existing wiring within the facilitytraditionally used for communication. Power cable 160 may include one ormore cables that are of appropriate gauge to deliver power. For example,if power is delivered using telephone wiring, power cable 160 may be 22gauge or 24 gauge. In an embodiment where power is delivered using awall outlet, power cable 160 may be a gauge within a range of 6 gauge to14 gauge.

Power source 170 is a device capable of generating power or transformingpower received at the facility into configuration usable in thefacility. Power source 170 may include a transformer, a meter, a panel,a panel board, a circuit breaker, a generator, a combination thereof,and/or the like. Power source 170 is located in electrical distributionarea 180. Electrical distribution area 180 is an area that generatespower or transforms power received from a source external to thecorrectional facility. Electrical distribution area 180 includes anyenclosed space in a facility, such as a basement or utility closet, anoutdoor location near the facility, a combination thereof, and/or thelike. In an embodiment, power source 170 spreads across multiplelocations. For example, a transformer and meter may be located outdoorsnear the facility while an electrical panel and circuit breaker may belocated within the facility. In this embodiment, electrical distributionarea 180 spans both the indoor and outdoor locations.

In an embodiment where wall fixture 130 is a telephone outlet or otherinterface traditionally used for communication, power source 170provides low voltage AC or DC power to wall fixture 130 via power cable160. Power cable 160 is existing wiring within the facilitytraditionally used for communication. For example, power cable 160 maybe one or more twisted pairs in shielded or unshielded configurations.In this embodiment, power source 170 may be a generator, transformer,panel, panel board, circuit breaker, a combination thereof, and/or thelike. Power source 170 is located in electrical distribution area 180.Electrical distribution area 180 is an area that generates power ortransforms power received from a source external to the correctionalfacility. Electrical distribution area 180 may be an enclosed space in afacility, such as a basement or utility closet, an outdoor location nearthe facility, a combination thereof, and/or the like. In an embodiment,electrical distribution area 180 includes the demarcation point for atelephone signal. A network interface device (NID) may be located in theelectrical distribution area 180.

When a facility is utilizing telephone wiring as power cable 160, powersource 170 first uses a transformer to transform standard wall powerinto low voltage AC or DC power. In an embodiment, power source 170 alsogenerates low voltage power independently of the wall power using agenerator. The low voltage power delivered from power source 170 istransmitted via power cable 160 to wall fixture 130. As a result,charging station 120, which is connected to wall fixture 130, receivesthe transmitted power. In an embodiment where wall fixture 130 is atelephone outlet or other communication medium, charging station 120continuously receives a trickle charge from wall interface 130. Chargingstation 120 then accumulates this charge in order to deliver the chargeto smart device 140 or portable charger 150. This trickle chargeconfiguration allows for the accumulation of energy that can beconverted at charging station 120 to charge an inmate device. Withoutthis accumulation, inmate area 110 may receive an insufficient amount ofpower to charge an inmate device.

In an embodiment, power source 170 is consistently operational. Chargingstation 120 may receive a consistent trickle charge from power source170 via power cable 160 and wall fixture 130. In an embodiment, powersource 170 is regulated. For example, a facility may automaticallyregulate the time of day when power source 170 provides power to powercable 160. Facility staff may manually or automatically set times wherepower source 170 is operational. In an embodiment, portable charger 150provides power to charger station 120. Facility staff use portablecharger 150 to deliver storable energy to charging station 120. Inmatesmay then utilize charging station 120 to receive charge at smart device140. This configuration gives more control to facility staff to regulatethe times when charging may occur.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a charging station 200. Chargingstation 200 is a device that collects energy from existing correctionalfacility features, stores the energy, and discharges the energy tocharge an inmate smart device or portable charger. By placing chargingstation 200 in an area accessible to inmates, inmates will be able tocharge their smart devices without the need for relinquishing controlover the smart device.

In an embodiment, charging station 200 includes an accumulator 210, anenergy collector 220, a wall interface 230, a smart device interface240, and a portable charger interface 250. Accumulator 210 includes acontroller 212 and/or an energy repository 214.

In an embodiment, charging station 200 is used in the charging systemdescribed with reference to FIG. 1. For example, charging station 200includes a wall interface 230 that connects to a wall fixture in aninmate area. Wall interface 230 may be a plug that directly plugs into awall fixture socket, such as, for example, a wall outlet, telephoneoutlet, another communication outlet, a combination thereof, and/or thelike. In an embodiment, a cable or wire connects wall interface 230 to awall fixture. In an embodiment, wall interface 230 includes wirelesspower collection circuitry to receive wirelessly transmitted power. Wallinterface 230 may also directly connect to accumulator 210 without aconnection to energy collector 220.

In an embodiment, wall interface 230 is coupled to energy collector 220.This coupling allows wall interface 230 to deliver power to energycollector 220. Energy collector 220 may include power electronics, suchas, for example, rectifiers, diodes, thyristors, semiconductors,capacitors, transistors, a combination thereof, and/or the like. Energycollector 220 converts received power into a state storable inaccumulator 210. For example, if wall interface 230 receives AC power at120 Volts and a frequency of 60 Hz, energy collector 220 may convert thepower into a 5 Volt direct current (DC) form. Energy collector 220directs this DC power to accumulator 210, smart device interface 240, orportable charger interface 250. Although FIG. 2 depicts wall interface230 and energy collector 220 as separate modules, in an embodiment, wallinterface 230 and energy collector 220 may comprise the same hardware.

In an embodiment, wall interface 230 receives low voltage AC or DC powerthrough a telephone outlet or communications outlet. Wall interface 230is configured to receive a twisted pair wiring configuration. Energycollector 220 utilizes power electronics to convert this power into astate storable in accumulator 210, smart device interface 240, orportable charger interface 250.

In an embodiment, energy collector 220 also receives a trickle chargefrom wall interface 230. Energy collector 220 then processes thistrickle charge in a form storable in accumulator 210. This embodimentallows the delivery of power even when a conventional wall power outletis unavailable in an inmate area.

In an embodiment, energy collector 220 collects energy independent ofwall interface 230. For example, wall interface 230 may not beoperational. Wall interface 230 may not receive power from a wallfixture or may be damaged. In another embodiment, wall interface 230 maynot be a component that exists in charging system 200. In at least thesecases, energy collector 220 operates independently of wall interface230.

In an embodiment, energy collector 220 includes one or more componentscapable of receiving energy. For example, energy collector 220 comprisesone or more solar panels, photovoltaic cells, thermal energy collectors,wireless power receivers, devices for harnessing piezoelectricity,mechanical power interfaces, such as, for example, a crank, acombination thereof, and/or the like. One or more of these componentsmay be mounted or built into charging station 200. Energy collector 220collects energy and converts the received energy into a state storablein accumulator 210, smart device 240, or portable charger interface 250.For example, if a solar panel and/or photovoltaic cell produces 12 VoltsDC, energy collector 220 steps-down the power to a 5 Volt DC form forenergy storage. In the correctional facility context, energy collector320 allows charging station 200 to collect and store energy fromexisting features of a facility, such as light energy. This collectionallows for a smart device charging source that may not otherwise beavailable in a correctional facility due to a lack of conventional wallpower outlets.

In an embodiment, energy collector 220 may comprise a solar panel and/orphotovoltaic cell located on the surface of charging station 200 and/orlocated in an inmate area. The solar panel may be affixed on a wall,oriented to receive light from a light source, such as a light bulb,and/or from natural sunlight. If the solar panel is not mounted oncharging station 200, a cable may connect the solar panel to energycollector 220. This configuration allows for charging station 200 topassively accumulate charge in a correctional facility if a conventionalwall power outlet is unavailable. As such, an inmate is able to chargehis or her smart device even in a scenario where no power outlet exists.

In an embodiment, accumulator 210 receives power from energy collector220 and/or wall interface 230. Accumulator 210 includes circuitry forstoring energy and discharging stored energy. Accumulator 210 storesenergy in energy repository 214 by matching the polarity of the externalvoltage source to the polarity of energy repository 214. Direct currentmay be sent into energy repository 214 in the direction opposite fromthe discharging direction. Energy may also be stored utilizing bulkcharging, absorption, and/or floating techniques. Accumulator 210discharges stored energy when a smart device is connected to smartdevice interface 240. Accumulator 210 also discharges stored energy whena portable charger is connected to portable charger interface 250.

Accumulator 210 includes a controller 212 and an energy repository 214.Controller 212 includes one or more processors, logic devices, energysensors, LEDs, visual display screens, a combination thereof, and/or thelike. Controller 212 detects when power is received at charging station200. Specifically, controller 212 detects power reception at energycollector 220, wall interface 230, portable charger interface 250, acombination thereof, and/or the like. Controller 212 also detects powertransmission to accumulator 210. Additionally, controller 212 detectsthe amount and type of power being transmitted to and/or from chargingstation 200, energy collector 220, wall interface 230, accumulator 210,smart device interface 240, portable charger interface 250, acombination thereof, and/or the like. Controller 212 also detectswhether a smart device is connected to smart device interface 240 and/orwhether a portable charger is connected to portable charger interface250.

In an embodiment, controller 212 detects the amount of energy stored inenergy repository 214. Energy repository 214 is a device capable ofstoring electrical charge. For example, energy repository 214 includesone or more batteries, capacitors, supercapacitors, a combinationthereof, and/or the like. Controller 212 monitors the voltage acrossenergy repository 214 and/or the voltage across a load. Controller 212then processes the measured voltage to determine and/or estimate thestored charge in energy repository 214. This determination and/orestimation occurs using a look-up table, which maps voltage to chargeremaining.

In an embodiment, controller 212 determines if the amount of energystored in energy repository 214 exceeds a threshold. If the amount ofstored energy exceeds the threshold, controller 212 ceases charging ofenergy repository 214 to prevent the energy repository from becomingover-charged. Controller 212 prevents power from flowing into energyrepository 214 by utilizing an open circuit state.

In an embodiment, if controller 212 detects that a smart device isconnected to smart device interface 240 and/or a portable charger isconnected to portable charger interface 250, controller 212 directsenergy repository 214 to discharge stored energy into the connecteddevice. Controller 212 may regulate the amount of energy that isdischarged. For example, controller 212 prevents energy repository 214from discharging more energy if the remaining charge of energyrepository 214 falls below a threshold.

In an embodiment, controller 212 visually displays the amount of energystored in energy repository 214. Controller 212 may utilize LEDs todemonstrate the amount of stored energy. Controller 212 may also utilizea visual display screen to display the amount of stored energy. Thesevisual indicators offer various degrees of granularity in reflecting theamount of stored energy in energy repository 214. The visual displaysmay be mounted and/or located on the exterior of charging station 200.

In an embodiment, smart device interface 240 is an interface that allowscharging station 200 to connect to an inmate smart device. An inmatesmart device may be, for example, a phone, tablet, laptop, personalcomputer device, a combination thereof, and/or the like. Smart deviceinterface 240 is configured to allow charging of the inmate smartdevice. For example, smart device interface 240 may include one or moreUSB sockets, coaxial cable sockets, AC adapter sockets, a combinationthereof, and/or the like. An inmate may plug a cable into smart deviceinterface 240 in order to charge an inmate smart device.

In an embodiment, charging station 200 may be located in a communallocation, allowing many cables to plug into smart device interface 240.When an inmate smart device is plugged into smart device interface 240,either directly or via a connection cable, accumulator 210 dischargesenergy stored in energy repository 214 into the inmate smart device.Energy collector 220 may also directly provide charge to the inmatesmart device connected to smart device interface 240.

In an embodiment, smart device interface 240 may be a wirelessinterface, allowing charging station 200 to wirelessly couple to aninmate smart device. Charging station 200 may wirelessly deliver powerfrom smart device interface 240 to an inmate smart device.

In an embodiment, smart device interface 240 is communicatively coupledto controller 212. A smart device connects to charging station 200 usingsmart device interface 240. The smart device communicates withcontroller 212 to obtain information relating to charging station 200.For example, the smart device may obtain an indication of the quantityof energy stored in energy repository 214 and/or information regardingpower received by charging station 200 at wall interface 230 and/orenergy collector 220. Additionally, smart device may obtain informationregarding the rate at which energy is being stored in energy repository214.

In an embodiment, controller 212 obtains information about a connectedsmart device using smart device interface 240. A smart device sendsstatus information to controller 212 using smart device interface 240.Controller 212 may obtain information regarding the remaining charge ofa smart device. Controller 212 utilizes this information in regulatingthe amount of energy discharged to smart device interface 240.

In an embodiment, portable charger interface 250 is an interface thatallows charging station 200 to connect to a portable charger. Anembodiment of a portable charger is further described in reference toFIG. 3. A portable charger may be a commercial portable charger,portable battery, power bank, a combination thereof, and/or the like.The portable charger is configured to connect to an inmate smart deviceand provide charge to the inmate smart device. The portable charger alsoconnects to charging station 200 via portable charger interface 250.Portable charger interface 250 may include one or more USB sockets,coaxial cable sockets, AC adapter sockets, a combination thereof, and/orthe like. An inmate may plug a cable into portable charger interface 250in order to charge a portable charger.

In an embodiment, charging station 200 is located in a communallocation, allowing many cables to plug into portable charger interface250. When a portable charger is plugged into portable charger interface250, either directly or via a connection cable, accumulator 210discharges energy stored in energy repository 214 into the portablecharger. Energy collector 220 may also directly provide charge to theportable charger connected to portable charger interface 250.

In an embodiment, portable charger interface 250 may be a wirelessinterface, allowing charging station 200 to wirelessly couple to aportable charger. Charging station 200 may wirelessly deliver power fromportable charger interface 250 to a portable charger.

In an embodiment, smart device interface 240 and portable chargerinterface 250 may comprise the same hardware. Smart device interface 240and portable charger interface 250 may include a USB socket. Smartdevice interface 240 and portable charger interface 250 may also includea wireless transmitter, receiver, a combination thereof, and/or thelike.

In an embodiment, charging station 200 does not provide a smart deviceinterface 240 and only provides portable charger interface 250. In thisembodiment, inmates must use a portable charger to charge inmate smartdevices. In that case, portable chargers are charged using portablecharger interface 250.

In an embodiment, facilities utilize charging station 200 to chargeportable chargers rather than allowing inmates to access chargingstation 200. Facility staff may collect portable chargers from inmatesfor charging. Facility staff then swap a depleted portable charger withone containing a stored charge. In this embodiment, inmates will stillbe able to use their smart devices, optionally attaching a portablecharger to provide extra charge as the charge of the smart device isdepleted. Further, facility staff will be able to avoid the logisticalproblem of returning a smart device to its proper owner. Becauseportable chargers are interchangeable among inmates, facility staff mayprovide any portable charger to an inmate without concern forappropriate inmate ownership.

In an embodiment, a portable charger provides charge to accumulator 210via portable charger interface 250. Charging station 200 is configuredto receive power via portable charger interface 250. For example,facility staff may utilize a switch or other means of interacting withcontroller 212 to allow charging of charging station 200 via portablecharger interface 250. In cases where charging station 200 does notreceive power from energy collector 220 or wall interface 230, facilitystaff provides temporary charge via portable charger interface 250.

In an embodiment, charging station 200 includes safety measures toprevent inmate tampering with charging station 200. For example,charging station 200 may include visual alarms, flashing lights, audioalarms, an alert to facility staff, a combination thereof, and/or thelike. These warnings allow facilities to minimize tampering and to placecharging station 200 in areas accessible to inmates.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a portable charger 300. Portablecharger 300 is a device capable of charging an inmate smart device.Providing inmates with portable charger 300 to charge smart devicesallows correctional facilities to avoid the logistical problem ofcollecting inmate smart devices for charging. Further, because inmatesdo not store personal information on portable charger 300, portablecharger 300 is interchangeable among inmates, allowing staff members tofreely redistribute portable charger 300 to different inmates. Usingportable charger 300 in a correctional facility allows inmates to retaincontrol of smart devices while the smart devices are charging and alsoavoids the logistical hardship of collecting and returning inmate smartdevices.

In an embodiment, portable charger 300 includes an accumulator 310, anenergy collector 320, and a charging interface 330. Accumulator 310includes a controller 312 and/or an energy repository 314. Inmates in acontrolled facility can use portable charger 300 to charge an inmatesmart device.

In an embodiment, energy collector 320 includes power electronics, suchas, for example, rectifiers, diodes, thyristors, semiconductors,capacitors, transistors, a combination thereof, and/or the like. Energycollector 320 converts received power into a state storable inaccumulator 310. For example, energy collector 320 converts powerreceived at charging interface 330 into a state storable in accumulator310. For example, if charging interface 330 receives AC power at 120Volts and a frequency of 60 Hz, energy collector 320 converts the powerinto a 5 Volt direct current (DC) form. Energy collector 320 thendirects this DC power to accumulator 310.

In an embodiment, energy collector 320 includes one or more componentscapable of receiving energy independent of charging interface 330. Forexample, energy collector 320 may include a solar panel, photovoltaiccell, a thermal energy collector, a wireless power receiver, a devicefor harnessing piezoelectricity, a mechanical power interface, such as,for example, a crank, a combination thereof, and/or the like. One ormore of these components may be mounted or built into portable charger300. Energy collector 320 collects energy and converts the receivedenergy into a state storable in accumulator 310. For example, if a solarpanel and/or photovoltaic cell produces 12 Volts DC, energy collector320 may step-down the power to a 5 Volt DC form for energy storage. Inthe correctional facility context, energy collector 320 allows portablecharger 300 to collect and store energy from existing features of afacility, such as light energy. This collection allows for a smartdevice charging source that may not otherwise be available in acorrectional facility due to a lack of conventional wall power outlets.

In an embodiment, accumulator 310 receives power from energy collector320 and/or charging interface 330. Accumulator 310 includes circuitryfor storing energy and discharging stored energy. Energy is stored inenergy repository 314 by matching the polarity of the external voltagesource to the polarity of the energy repository. Direct current is sentinto energy repository 314 in the direction opposite from thedischarging direction. Energy may be stored utilizing bulk charging,absorption, and/or floating techniques. Accumulator 310 dischargesstored energy when a smart device is connected to charging interface330. Accumulator 310 stores energy when charging interface 330 isconnected to a power source.

Accumulator 310 includes a controller 312 and an energy repository 314.Controller 312 includes one or more processors, logic devices, energysensors, LEDs, visual display screens, a combination thereof, and/or thelike. Controller 312 detects when power is received at portable charger300. Controller 312 detects power reception at energy collector 320and/or charging interface 330 as well as whether power is beingtransmitted to accumulator 310. Controller 312 also detects the amountand type of power being transmitted to and/or from portable charger 300,energy collector 320, charging interface 330, accumulator 310, and/or acombination thereof.

In an embodiment, controller 312 detects whether a smart device isconnected to charging interface 330 and/or whether charging interface330 is connected to a source of power, such as, for example, a chargingstation and/or a wall outlet. If a smart device is connected to charginginterface 330, controller 312 directs energy repository 314 to dischargestored energy into the smart device via charging interface 330. If apower source is connected to charging interface 330, controller 312directs energy repository 314 to store energy received from the powersource.

In an embodiment, controller 312 detects the amount of energy stored inenergy repository 314. Energy repository 314 is a device capable ofstoring electrical charge. In an embodiment, energy repository 314 maybe one or more batteries, capacitors, supercapacitors, a combinationthereof, and/or the like. Controller 312 monitors the voltage acrossenergy repository 314 and/or the voltage across a load. Controller 312then processes the measured voltage to determine and/or estimate thestored charge in energy repository 314. This determination and/orestimation occurs using a look-up table, which maps voltage to chargeremaining.

In an embodiment, controller 312 also determines if the amount of energystored in energy repository 314 exceeds a threshold. If the amount ofstored energy exceeds the threshold, controller 312 ceases charging ofenergy repository 413 to prevent energy repository 314 from becomingover-charged. Controller 312 prevents power from flowing into energyrepository 314 by utilizing an open circuit state.

In an embodiment, if controller 312 detects that an smart device isconnected to charging interface 330, controller 312 directs energyrepository 314 to discharge stored energy into the connected smartdevice. Controller 312 may regulate the amount of energy that isdischarged. For example, controller 312 may prevent energy repository314 from discharging more energy if the remaining charge of energyrepository 314 falls below a threshold.

In an embodiment, controller 312 visually displays the amount of energystored in energy repository 314. Controller 312 may utilize LEDs todemonstrate the amount of stored energy. Controller 312 may also utilizea visual display screen to display the amount of stored energy. Thesevisual indicators offer various degrees of granularity in reflecting theamount of stored energy in energy repository 314. The visual displaysmay be mounted on the exterior of portable charger 300.

In an embodiment, charging interface 330 is an interface that allowsportable charger 300 to connect to an inmate smart device and/or asource of power, such as, for example, a charging station and/or a walloutlet. An inmate smart device may be, for example, a phone, tablet,laptop, personal computer device, a combination thereof, and/or thelike. Charging interface 330 is configured to allow charging of theinmate smart device. For example, charging interface 330 includes one ormore USB sockets, coaxial cable sockets, AC adapter sockets, acombination thereof, and/or the like. In an embodiment, an inmate mayplug a cable into charging interface 330 in order to charge an inmatesmart device. Portable charger 300 may include a plurality of connectionsockets, allowing many cables to plug into charging interface 330. Whenan inmate smart device is plugged into charging interface 330, eitherdirectly or via a connection cable, accumulator 310 may discharge energystored in energy repository 314 into the inmate smart device. In anembodiment, energy collector 320 may directly provide charge to theinmate smart device connected to charging interface 330 without firstpassing into accumulator 310.

In an embodiment, charging interface 330 includes a wireless interface,allowing portable charger 300 to wirelessly couple to an inmate smartdevice. Portable charger 300 delivers power wirelessly from charginginterface 330 to an inmate smart device. Charging interface 330 is alsoconfigured to receive wirelessly transmitted power. Charging interface330 receives wirelessly transmitted power from a charging station.

In an embodiment, charging interface 330 includes a plug interface thatplugs directly into an inmate smart device to provide a charge. Charginginterface 330 may also include a plug interface that plugs directly intoa power source such as a charging station, wall outlet, communicationoutlet, a combination thereof, and/or the like in order to chargeportable charge 300. In an embodiment where charging interface 330 isconnected to a power source, controller 312 configures energy repository314 to store charge received from the power source.

In an embodiment, charging interface 330 is communicatively coupled tocontroller 312. A smart device may connect to portable charger 300 usingcharging interface 330. The smart device then communicates withcontroller 312 to obtain information relating to portable charger 300.For example, the smart device may obtain an indication of the quantityof energy stored in energy repository 314. The smart device may alsoobtain information regarding power received by portable charger 300 atenergy collector 320. For example, the smart device may obtain theamount of power being received and/or the rate at which energy is beingstored in energy repository 314.

In an embodiment, controller 312 obtains information about a connectedsmart device using charging interface 330. A smart device sends statusinformation to controller 312 using charging interface 330. Controller312 may obtain information regarding the remaining charge of a smartdevice. Controller 312 then utilizes this information in regulating theamount of energy that may be discharged to charging interface 330.

In an embodiment, charging interface 330 provides charge to a chargingstation. As explained in reference to FIG. 2, facility staff may use aportable charger to deliver power to a charging station that fails toreceive power from a wall interface or energy collector.

In an embodiment, energy collector 320 and charging interface 330comprise the same hardware. In an embodiment, charging interface maysimultaneously provide charge to an inmate smart device while receivingcharge from a power source.

In an embodiment, portable charger 300 includes safety measures toprevent inmate tampering with portable charger 300. For example,portable charger 300 include visual alarms, flashing lights, audioalarms, an alert to facility staff, a combination thereof, and/or thelike. These warnings allow facilities to minimize tampering and to giveportable charger 300 to inmates.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an embodiment of method 400for providing electrical charge in a controlled environment. In anembodiment, method 400 may be performed at a charging station providedin an inmate area.

At 410, power may be received from an energy source in a controlledenvironment. In an embodiment, power may be received at a chargingstation located within a controlled environment. Similar to thedescription associated with FIGS. 1 and 2, a charging station receivespower from a wall fixture located in an inmate area. A charging stationcan also receive power from an energy collector, such as, for example, asolar panel and/or a photovoltaic cell. A solar panel connected to acharging station may be positioned near a natural sunlight source suchas a window and/or may be positioned near a light bulb source. Thisconfiguration allows for the passive accumulation of charge in acorrectional facility if a conventional wall power outlet isunavailable. As such, an inmate is able to charge his or her smartdevice even in a scenario where no power outlet exists.

At 420, received power may be converted into a storable state. In anembodiment, if power is received at a charging station, theconfiguration of the power may need to be changed before the power maybe stored. For example, if a charging station receives AC power from awall outlet at 120 Volts and a frequency of 60 Hz, the power may beconverted into a 5 Volt direct current (DC) form for energy storage. Inan embodiment, if a solar panel and/or photovoltaic cell produces 12Volts DC, for example, the power may be stepped-down to a 5 Volt DC formfor energy storage.

At 430, energy may be stored in an energy repository. Similar to thedescription associated with FIG. 2, an energy repository is a devicecapable of storing electrical charge. An energy repository includes oneor more batteries, capacitors, supercapacitors, a combination thereof,and/or the like. Energy may be stored in an energy repository bymatching the polarity of the external voltage source to the polarity ofthe energy repository. Direct current is sent into the energy repositoryin the direction opposite from the discharging direction. Energy may bestored utilizing bulk charging, absorption, and/or floating techniques.A controller may also determine if the amount of energy stored in anenergy repository exceeds a threshold. If the amount of stored energyexceeds the threshold, the controller may cease charging of the energyrepository to prevent the energy repository from becoming over-charged.

At 440, a check may be performed to determine whether a device isconnected. In reference to the charging station of FIG. 2, a device maybe an inmate smart device and/or a portable charger. The inmate smartdevice and/or the portable charger may be connected to a chargingstation. If a device is connected, method 400 executes 450. If a deviceis not connected, method 400 executes 410 and receives power from anenergy source in a controlled environment.

At 450, energy may be discharged to a connected device. In an embodimentdescribed in FIG. 1, energy is discharged to an inmate smart deviceand/or a portable charger. A charging station discharges the energy viaa smart device interface and/or a portable charger interface. The amountof energy that is discharged may be regulated. For example, a controllerwithin a charging station may prevent an energy repository fromdischarging more energy if the remaining charge of the energy repositoryfalls below a threshold. The controller may regulate the dischargingbased on the total charge of the connected device. For example, if thestored energy in a connected device exceeds a threshold, a controllermay cease to discharge energy to the connected device. Method 400 thenexecutes 410 after discharging energy to a connected device. In anembodiment, power may simultaneously be received at 410, converted at420, and stored at 430 while energy is being discharged at 450.

In an embodiment, method 400 may be performed at a portable chargeravailable for an inmate to use in charging a smart device

At 410, power may be received from an energy source in a controlledenvironment. In an embodiment, power may be received at a portablecharger located within a controlled environment. Similar to thedescription associated with FIGS. 1 and 2, a portable charger receivespower from a charging station located in an inmate area. The portablecharger receives power from a charging station via a portable chargerinterface located in and/or on a charging station. Referring to anembodiment of FIG. 3, a portable charger may receive power from anenergy collector, such as, for example, a solar panel and/orphotovoltaic cell. The portable charger may also receive power directlyfrom a wall fixture in a controlled environment.

At 420, received power may be converted into a storable state. In anembodiment, if power is received at a portable charger, theconfiguration of the power may need to be changed before the power maybe stored. For example, if a portable charger receives AC power from awall outlet at 120 Volts and a frequency of 60 Hz, the power may beconverted into a 5 Volt direct current (DC) form for energy storage. Inan embodiment, if a solar panel and/or photovoltaic cell produces 12Volts DC, for example, the power may be stepped-down to a 5 Volt DC formfor energy storage. In an embodiment, a portable charger may receivepower that is already in a storable state. For example, a chargingstation may perform the conversion such that energy may be stored. Ifthe power received is already in a storable state, method 400 performs410 and then perform 430.

At 430, energy may be stored in an energy repository. Similar to thedescription associated with FIG. 3, an energy repository is a devicecapable of storing electrical charge. An energy repository includes oneor more batteries, capacitors, supercapacitors, a combination thereof,and/or the like. Energy may be stored in an energy repository bymatching the polarity of the external voltage source to the polarity ofthe energy repository. Direct current is sent into the energy repositoryin the direction opposite from the discharging direction. Energy may bestored utilizing bulk charging, absorption, and/or floating techniques.A controller may also determine if the amount of energy stored in anenergy repository exceeds a threshold. If the amount of stored energyexceeds the threshold, the controller may cease charging of the energyrepository to prevent the energy repository from becoming over-charged.

At 440, a check may be performed to determine whether a device isconnected. In reference to the portable charger of FIG. 3, a device maybe an inmate smart device and/or a charging station. The inmate smartdevice and/or the charging station may be connected to a portablecharger via a charging interface. If a device is connected, method 400executes 450. If a device is not connected, method 400 executes 410 andreceives power from an energy source in a controlled environment.

At 450, energy may be discharged to a connected device. In an embodimentdescribed in FIG. 3, energy is discharged to an inmate smart deviceand/or a charging station. A portable charger discharges the energy viaa charging interface. The amount of energy that is discharged may beregulated. For example, a controller within a portable charger mayprevent an energy repository from discharging more energy if theremaining charge of the energy repository falls below a threshold. Thecontroller may regulate the discharging based on the total charge of theconnected device. For example, if the stored energy in a connecteddevice exceeds a threshold, a controller may cease to discharge energyto the connected device. Method 400 then executes 410 after dischargingenergy to a connected device. In an embodiment, power may simultaneouslybe received at 410, converted at 420, and stored at 430 while energy isbeing discharged at 450.

It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) thatvarious elements and features of the present disclosure, as describedherein, can be implemented in hardware using analog and/or digitalcircuits, in software, through the execution of computer instructions byone or more general purpose or special-purpose processors, or as acombination of hardware and software.

The following description of a general purpose computer system isprovided for the sake of completeness. Embodiments of the presentdisclosure can be implemented in hardware, or as a combination ofsoftware and hardware. Consequently, embodiments of the disclosure maybe implemented in the environment of a computer system or otherprocessing system. For example, the method of flowchart 400 may beimplemented in the environment of one or more computer systems or otherprocessing systems. An example of such a computer system 500 is shown inFIG. 5. One or more of the modules depicted in the previous figures canbe at least partially implemented on one or more distinct computersystems 500.

Computer system 500 may be any well-known computer capable of performingthe functions described herein.

Computer system 500 may include one or more processors (also calledcentral processing units, or CPUs), such as a processor 504. Processor504 may be connected to a communication infrastructure or bus 506.

One or more processors 504 may each be a graphics processing unit (GPU).In an embodiment, a GPU is a processor that is a specialized electroniccircuit designed to process mathematically intensive applications. TheGPU may have a parallel structure that is efficient for parallelprocessing of large blocks of data, such as mathematically intensivedata common to computer graphics applications, images, videos, etc.

Computer system 500 may also include user input/output device(s) 503,such as monitors, keyboards, pointing devices, etc., that communicatewith communication infrastructure 506 through user input/outputinterface(s) 502.

Computer system 500 may also include a main or primary memory 508, suchas random access memory (RAM). Main memory 508 may include one or morelevels of cache. Main memory 508 may have stored therein control logic(i.e., computer software) and/or data.

Computer system 500 may also include one or more secondary storagedevices or memory 510. Secondary memory 510 may include, for example, ahard disk drive 512 and/or a removable storage device or drive 514.Removable storage drive 514 may be a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tapedrive, a compact disk drive, an optical storage device, tape backupdevice, a removable flash drive, and/or any other storage device/drive.

Removable storage drive 514 may interact with a removable storage unit518. Removable storage unit 518 includes a computer usable or readablestorage device having stored thereon computer software (control logic)and/or data. Removable storage unit 518 may be a floppy disk, magnetictape, compact disk, DVD, optical storage disk, removable flash drive,and/any other computer data storage device. Removable storage drive 514reads from and/or writes to removable storage unit 518 in a well-knownmanner.

According to an exemplary embodiment, secondary memory 510 may includeother means, instrumentalities or other approaches for allowing computerprograms and/or other instructions and/or data to be accessed bycomputer system 500. Such means, instrumentalities or other approachesmay include, for example, a removable storage unit 522 and an interface520. Examples of the removable storage unit 522 and the interface 520may include a program cartridge and cartridge interface (such as thatfound in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an EPROMor PROM) and associated socket, a memory stick and USB port, a memorycard and associated memory card slot, and/or any other removable storageunit and associated interface.

Computer system 500 may further include a communication or networkinterface 524. Communication interface 524 enables computer system 500to communicate and interact with any combination of remote devices,remote networks, remote entities, etc. (individually and collectivelyreferenced by reference number 528). For example, communicationinterface 524 may allow computer system 500 to communicate with remotedevices 528 over communications path 526, which may be wired and/orwireless, and which may include any combination of LANs, WANs, theInternet, etc. Control logic and/or data may be transmitted to and fromcomputer system 500 via communication path 526.

In an embodiment, a tangible apparatus or article of manufacturecomprising a tangible computer useable or readable medium having controllogic (software) stored thereon is also referred to herein as a computerprogram product or program storage device. This includes, but is notlimited to, computer system 500, main memory 508, secondary memory 510,and removable storage units 518 and 522, as well as tangible articles ofmanufacture embodying any combination of the foregoing. Such controllogic, when executed by one or more data processing devices (such ascomputer system 500), may cause such data processing devices to operateas described herein.

Based on the teachings contained in this disclosure, it will be apparentto persons skilled in the relevant art(s) how to make and useembodiments using data processing devices, computer systems and/orcomputer architectures other than that shown in FIG. 5. In particular,embodiments may operate with software, hardware, and/or operating systemimplementations other than those described herein.

It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and notthe Abstract section, is intended to be used to interpret the claims.The Abstract section may set forth one or more but not all exemplaryembodiments as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are notintended to limit the disclosure or the appended claims in any way.

While the disclosure has been described herein with reference toexemplary embodiments for exemplary fields and applications, it shouldbe understood that the scope of the disclosure is not limited thereto.Other embodiments and modifications thereto are possible, and are withinthe scope and spirit of the disclosure. For example, and withoutlimiting the generality of this paragraph, embodiments are not limitedto the software, hardware, firmware, and/or entities illustrated in thefigures and/or described herein. Further, embodiments (whether or notexplicitly described herein) have significant utility to fields andapplications beyond the examples described herein.

Embodiments have been described herein with the aid of functionalbuilding blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functionsand relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional buildingblocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of thedescription. Alternate boundaries can be defined as long as thespecified functions and relationships (or equivalents thereof) areappropriately performed. Also, alternative embodiments may performfunctional blocks, steps, operations, methods, etc. using orderingsdifferent than those described herein.

References herein to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an exampleembodiment,” or similar phrases, indicate that the embodiment describedmay include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, butevery embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature,structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarilyreferring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature,structure, or characteristic is described in connection with anembodiment, it would be within the knowledge of persons skilled in therelevant art(s) to incorporate such feature, structure, orcharacteristic into other embodiments whether or not explicitlymentioned or described herein.

The breadth and scope of disclosed inventions should not be limited byany of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be definedonly in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for providing electrical charge in acontrolled-environment facility, the method comprising: accumulating afirst electrical charge in an energy repository from a wall fixture ofthe controlled-environment facility; accumulating light energy from asolar panel; converting the light energy to a second electrical charge;and combining the second electrical charge with the first electricalcharge in the energy repository.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein thefirst electrical charge is a trickle charge.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein wall fixture is a wireless power transmitter.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: discharging the energy repository into aportable charger.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:discharging the energy repository into a smart device.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: measuring an amount of stored energy of theenergy repository; determining that the amount exceeds a threshold; andin response to the determining, ceasing charging of the energyrepository.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: adjusting avisual display to indicate an amount of stored energy in the energyrepository.
 8. A charging station for providing electrical charge in acontrolled-environment facility, the charging station comprising: anenergy repository; a wall charger interface configured to accumulate afirst electrical charge in the energy repository from a wall fixture ofthe controlled-environment facility; and a photovoltaic cell configuredto collect light energy to generate a second electrical charge, whereinthe energy repository is configured to combine the second electricalcharge with the first electrical charge in the energy repository.
 9. Thecharging station of claim 8, further comprising a power interfaceconfigured to receive power from at least one of a closed circuittelevision outlet, an Ethernet outlet, and a television cable outlet,and wherein the accumulator is further configured to store energyreceived from the power interface.
 10. The charging station of claim 8,wherein the first electrical charge is a trickle charge.
 11. Thecharging station of claim 8, wherein the wall fixture is a wirelesspower transmitter.
 12. The charging station of claim 8, wherein thecharging station further comprises: a smart device interface todischarge the energy repository into a smart device.
 13. The chargingstation of claim 12, wherein the smart device interface is furtherconfigured to regulate an amount of discharged energy based on a totalcharge of a device connected to the charging station.
 14. The chargingstation of claim 8, further comprising: an LED display configured toindicate an amount of stored energy in the energy repository.
 15. Amethod for providing electrical charge in a controlled-environmentfacility, the method comprising: wirelessly receiving power as a firstelectrical charge; accumulating light energy from a solar panel;converting the light energy to a second electrical charge; combining thesecond electrical charge with the first electrical charge in an energyrepository; and wirelessly discharging the energy repository to charge aportable device.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:accumulating thermal energy as a third electrical; and combining thethird electrical charge in the energy repository.
 17. The method ofclaim 15, further comprising: accumulating mechanical energy as a thirdelectrical; and combining the third electrical charge in the energyrepository.
 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising: adjusting avisual display to indicate an amount of stored energy in the energyrepository.
 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising: receiving astatus message from the portable device indicating a remaining charge ofthe portable device.
 20. The method of claim 15, further comprising: inresponse to detecting an amount of energy stored in the portable deviceexceeds a threshold, ceasing the wirelessly discharging.